About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Heart Failure Management
Introduction
Heart failure (HF) is a chronic condition where the heart doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. This leads to fluid buildup, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Treatment focuses on improving symptoms, slowing progression, and reducing hospitalizations.
Causes of Heart Failure
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) – Blocked arteries reduce blood supply to the heart.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) – Excess pressure forces the heart to work harder.
- Cardiomyopathy – Damage to the heart muscle from infections, alcohol, or genetic defects.
- Valvular disease – Malfunctioning heart valves impair blood flow.
- Arrhythmias – Irregular heartbeats reduce efficiency.
Types of Heart Failure
- Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) – The heart’s contraction is weakened.
- Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) – The heart muscles are stiff, impacting filling.
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in legs and ankles (edema)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Persistent cough with white or pink mucus
- Sudden weight gain (fluid retention)
Treatment Approaches
1. Lifestyle Modifications
- Diet: Reduce salt intake, manage fluid consumption, eat a balanced diet.
- Exercise: Regular, moderate physical activity improves heart function.
- Weight Management: Avoid obesity, monitor daily weight changes.
2. Medications
- ACE Inhibitors or ARBs: Reduce blood pressure, improve heart function.
- Beta-blockers: Slow heart rate, reduce strain.
- Diuretics: Lower fluid buildup, reducing swelling.
- Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists (MRAs): Help regulate salt and water balance.
- SGLT2 inhibitors: Newer class that improves heart and kidney function.
- ARNis: Combine ARBs and neprilysin inhibitors to reduce heart strain.
3. Medical Devices and Surgery
- Pacemakers & Defibrillators: Help regulate heart rhythm in advanced cases.
- LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device): Mechanical pump for severe failure.
- Heart transplant: The final option for those with end-stage disease.
Conclusion
With proper management, people can live fulfilling lives despite heart failure. Early detection, adherence to medication, and lifestyle changes are key to improved outcomes.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Heart Failure Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.024
- https://www.acc.org/education-and-meetings/products-and-resources/features/global-cv-institute/heart-failure-guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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The most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials
Our website contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials in your country.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.